Answers to your most frequently asked questions about psychotherapy.
1. What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a process in which a trained professional enters a relationship with a patient for the purpose of helping the patient with symptoms of mental illness, behavioral problems or personal growth. The process involves the patient and therapist sitting in a room talking, which is why it is often called "talk therapy".
2. What Are the Major Theoretical Orientations and Modalities of Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is based upon a range of techniques: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, existential therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, psychodynamic therapy and eclectic therapy. The therapy can be one-on-one or in a group or family setting.
3. What Is the Best Type of Psychotherapy for Depression?
Probably the most effective type of psychotherapy for depression is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy focuses upon the role of thinking and belief systems as the root of depression. During therapy, the psychologist works with the patient to help them recognize their dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and to change them to a more realistic perspective. Interpersonal therapy, which focuses on interpersonal relationships and coping with conflict, and family therapy may also be useful in certain cases. Psychodynamic therapy may be useful, too.
4. What Is The Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy and
counseling are terms that are often used interchangeably. Although they are very similar, there are some subtle differences as well.
5. How Do I Choose a Therapist?
Psychotherapy can be a time-consuming, expensive process. You don't want to waste money and effort on a therapist who won't help you achieve results. The following tips will help you select a therapist who best meets your needs.
6. What Do All Those Initials After the Names Mean?
Psychotherapy is conducted by a professional with specialized training, for example, a psychiatrist, a trained counselor, social worker or psychologist; but, how do you make sense of the alphabet soup after their names? What are the qualifications of the person treating you?
7. What Should I Expect During My First Session?
You've made the appointment, so now what can you expect from your first visit?
8. What If I Want to Do Self-Help Instead of Seeing a Therapist?
If you would like to try the self-help route, I can recommend a very informative book that will be helpful to you. It's called "Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns, MD. It's actually not as new as the title might imply, however. Cognitive Therapy was developed back in the '60s by Aaron T. Beck and has been effectively used to treat many patients since that time. The book explains cognitive therapy and gives exercises that you can complete on your own.
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